"As I navigate this new, exciting role,” shared Hastings, “I look forward to representing the department's needs and interests within the University, while also supporting our department’s growth in the coming years."

During her 16 years in the department, Hastings has made significant research advances in Environmental Science and Geochemistry. Her research focuses on the reactive nitrogen cycle's impact on air quality, ozone levels, and biogeochemical nitrogen cycling. She also currently leads the Breathe Providence Project, investigating air quality in Providence, RI using low-cost air monitors. 

Hastings succeeds Greg Hirth, who has served as Interim Chair since July 2023 following Jim Russell’s appointment as Senior Associate Dean of Faculty. During his interim tenure, Hirth welcomed eight new faculty members to the department, an experience he found particularly fulfilling. Hirth reflected on the experience, saying “Onboarding the new faculty and experiencing their vibrant enthusiasm was very fulfilling, and they gave me confidence in the future of the department.”  

Hastings also expressed her positive outlook for the department, saying “We have an amazing foundation of collegiality here that can be harnessed to support not only our next generation of researchers, but really affect change.”  With the increased diversity among DEEPS faculty and students, it is notable that Hastings is the first woman to step into the role as Chair. 

“We’ve made significant progress, and there's more good work ahead,” Hastings noted. “This is an opportune time to strengthen our department’s commitment to fostering innovation, inclusion, and community.”